Hello and thank you for visiting. My name is Karrie Porter Bond. I own and operate Bond Fire Studio, Karrie Porter Photography, and Key West Photo Tours, with the help of my husband Rob. Our multiple brands allow us to cater to the needs of very different levels of clientele – something that is absolutely a must in this economy. Plus, as multi-faceted people, we’re into lots of cool things, and we figure life’s too short to miss out! The Karrie Porter Photography division specializes in wedding and event photography, destination weddings throughout Florida, Key West, and anywhere my clients take me. The Bond Fire Studio division specializes in Key West location photography, travel images, and underwater photography for customers aboard the Fury Catamarans.
Until late 2009, we were based in the Nashville area of Middle Tennessee, with an additional specialty in equine (horse) photography throughout the Southeast United States. It was in Nashville that I also served as adjunct instructor at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Nashville where I taught courses in photography and digital imaging (ie, Photoshop). 2010 saw us moving to Key West, and we now reside and operate from the Conch Republic.
Riding my quarter horse mare, Fan at my childhood home in Dover, Florida.
I am originally from a rural area outside of Tampa, Florida, where I moved from with my husband Rob and our pride and joy, our French Bulldog, Bailey. I am an avid equestrian, writer, artist, traveler, and of course, photographer.
Our little French Bulldog, "Bailey." Here she sports her pink fuzzy on her first day out in the snow (none of that stuff in Florida!)
- Shooting an outdoor wedding in September 2008 for Kristal and Trevan.
It is always very difficult to move to a new place where no one knows your work, but over the years we’ve become good at marketing, getting involved in community projects, and making friends that eventually turn into business opportunities. I have to thank Rob for his amiable nature and fearlessness when it comes to meeting new people. Coming from someone who is relatively introverted, it took some sweaty palms and butterflies in the stomach to slowly get over my distress of talking to new people.
If I had to describe myself, I guess I would have to start out by saying that I am nothing if not hard working. I cannot sit around idle very long, and even when I’m “relaxing” I’m usually still doing some kind of “work,” be it researching locations, reading my photography trade magazines for inspiration, ideas, and news, or dropping an email to past clients. Even when travelling or doing something recreational, it is not uncommon for me to take my camera along as I always see opportunities to make images and new relationships. I love to dance and goof off, and try not to take life too seriously. I love learning new things…anything. I love to read, and will do hours of research on a particular topic, just because I want to know more about it and irregardless of whether or not it has any direct correlation to any sort of tangible reward.
Rob took this as I was setting up for a timed-exposure of upcoming fireworks.
My personality is very friendly, accommodating, personable, and “smiley.” I laugh a lot, make jokes, tell stories and share ideas. I like to have time by myself just to sit and think, and am just as happy to attend a function as a wall-flower as to be up front speaking about a topic. I guess its nice since I have the best of both worlds. I can be quiet when I want to be and socially engaging when I need to be. I’m very attentive when speaking to people, being very good at hearing and remembering specific details, and tend to learn names extremely quickly. I love to write, and have recently been setting my sights on getting into more editorial (magazine) work.
Shooting brings out the take-charge side of my personality, and I am comfortable managing an entire room of people or arranging a huge family for a group portrait. Unlike some pushy, grumpy photographers, I am always very polite and respectful, remembering that this moment, this shoot, this day, or this subject, is not about me and that I cannot be successful at what I’m doing without the support of those around me. 
One thing I love now, is that I am a recent bride myself. So when I say to a bride “I know what you mean,” now I REALLY DO! Rob and I had a fantastic wedding but like everyone else we were on budget. On top of being married to such a wonderful guy, I could not have asked for anything more.
Going through paperwork in my office at the studio.
With regard to my future in photography…..My short term goals are to earn the Adobe Photoshop Expert certification, compete in 3 local and 1 national photography competition within the next year, and join the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) to further my exploration into the world of commercial photography.
My long term goals include creating a travel documentary about the equine cultures of the world and obtaining my Master Photographer certification from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) organization.
To discuss your event or next commercial project, please contact me at 305-517-3558 or 615-517-7855. Or you can email me at karrie@kporterphotography.com or karrie@bondfirestudio.com.
